You’ve undoubtedly heard that renewable energy is rapidly evolving, while fossil fuels are becoming extinct. But you may be wondering, “What does all this talk really mean?” Don’t worry—we’ve highlighted five facts regarding renewable energy and fossil fuels to assist you grasp the current renewables growth.

1. The Difference Between Renewable Energy and Fossil Fuels

The distinction between the two isn’t as difficult as you would assume. Renewable energy is derived from natural resources that can be renewed over the course of a typical human lifespan and comprises the following forms of power:

• • Solar
  • Wind
  • Hydro
  • Geothermal
  • Biomass

Fossil fuels, on the other hand, can take hundreds, if not millions, of years to replenish naturally:

• • Natural gas
  • Coal
  • Oil

These distinctions may appear black and white, yet there are some grey regions. Natural gas is frequently referred to as “clean power” since it burns more cleanly than coal. Some people may even feel that natural gas is a renewable resource. Make sure you don’t fall for it . Natural gas is a fossil fuel that, when burnt, releases CO2. Things become a little more tricky in the case of biomass. The most popular technique of producing biomass energy, burning wood, generates more CO2 than burning coal. The fact that trees can be replaced, however, makes wood a renewable resource.

2. Fossil Fuels Dominate Energy Generation in the US

It comes as no surprise that fossil fuels dominate American energy production. However, you may be surprised to learn that in the United States, natural gas currently outperforms coal in terms of energy output. Consider this: remember all the talk about fracking? The energy sector is desperate for natural gas and will go to any extent to obtain it.

Although natural gas is now leading the pack due to increasing fracking activity, it faces stiff competition from other resources. Here’s how energy is generated per resource type:

Energy Generation in the US

• • 34% natural gas
  • 30% coal
  • 20% nuclear
  • 15% renewables
  • 1% oil

Looking at the stats, renewable energy may appear to be an uphill struggle. Why? Because coal is still a close second to natural gas, and nuclear power outperforms renewables by approximately 5%. However, the figures for renewable energy generation aren’t as bad as they appear.

3. Renewables Are Growing Faster than Fossil Fuels

Despite the fact that natural gas has expanded its market share considerably over the last decade, renewable energy has grown faster than any other fossil fuel. Renewable energy output in the United States reached a record 22 gigatons of capacity in 2016, burying fossil fuel expansion.

With roughly treble the megawatt capacity of any other state and a cutting-edge system that facilitates the efficient transmission of wind-generated energy, wind power is by far the most dominant renewable resource in Texas. If an oil-rich state like Texas can sustainably increase renewable energy, it’s realistic to expect renewables to overtake fossil fuels for the foreseeable future.

4. Renewables Can Cost Less than Fossil Fuels

The tired argument that renewable energy is too costly is just that: an excuse. Renewable energy is now equally as economical as fossil fuel energy, if not cheaper in some circumstances. Some solar panel installations can even generate electricity for less than half the price of fossil fuels like coal. We can save a lot of money. Furthermore, renewable energy is expected to become more affordable over time.

You do not required to wait. Renewable-energy credits can let you go green at a low cost right now. See how you can become green for as little as $5 per month.

5. Renewable Energy is Cleaner than Fossil Fuels

The earth’s temperature has risen at an alarming rate since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, rising oceanic water levels in its wake. Not only do fossil fuels heat the world, but they also emit harmful byproducts such as air pollution, which harms your lung health. You may see the results of fossil fuel burning all around you as nasty smog, especially in major cities like Houston, even if you don’t believe in climate change.

Renewable energy, on the other hand, emits far less CO2 than fossil fuels. In reality, aside from building and maintenance, renewables like solar and wind power produce no CO2. With renewable energy, you can breathe easier, stay cooler, and make the earth a more comfortable place for future generations.

When comparing renewable energy to fossil fuels, keep in mind that renewable energy generation is cleaner, simpler to sustain over time, expands faster, and is often even cheaper.